Man Rescues Cat; Cat Saves Man From Fire    
Tue Jan 27, 2003  AP


HUDSON, N.H. - A man who rescued a stray cat from the cold got the
favor returned on Sunday when the cat woke him as his house filled with
smoke.
 
Roland Rioux, 76, who lives alone, fell asleep watching television, but
was jolted awake when the cat, named Munchkin, jumped up and landed on
his chest with all fours.

Rioux was able to get up in time to call the fire department and
evacuate safely.

Rioux put the cat in the garage and in the confusion, Munchkin bolted.
Rioux and his family are asking for help finding the black-and-white
cat.

Fire officials say the fire was probably caused by an electrical
malfunction in the basement.